Robert "Bob" Joseph Protus

Bob is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sherry of Edmond; his son David, daughter-in-law Ashley; and grandson Wesley, whom Bob adored.

Bob was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1948, to Joseph “Joe” and Helen Protus (both deceased). He spent his growing up years going to catholic schools and living with his grandparents and parents in a brownstone house in Brooklyn. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force. His career in the U.S.A.F. took him to Greece and eventually to Tinker A.F.B. in Oklahoma City. He also served in the Oklahoma Air National Guard after leaving the U.S.A.F. When Bob left the military, he was offered a civil service position at Tinker.

He met Sherry in night school at what was then Central State University in Edmond. He won her over with his persistent love letters left on her car in the school parking lot. And 46 years later, they still enjoyed each other’s company. Bob was highly appreciative of Sherry’s love and attention during these last few months of illness.

Bob didn’t do things halfway and rarely sat still. If he developed a passion for something, he was all in. Years ago, it was riding bicycles, which meant at least 30 miles every Saturday and Sunday, other long rides during the week, and participating in events like the "Hotter Than Hell 100" in Texas.

He played golf two or three times a week for a while and even took part-time jobs as a course marshal at local golf courses in exchange for the free golf and a chance to search for lost golf balls.

Bob and David shared a love of beautiful automobiles and fast airplanes.

Over the last few years, photography had become Bob’s passion. He filled his social media accounts with hundreds of pictures of old trucks, trains, old buildings from rural Oklahoma, and modern structures in downtown Oklahoma City and Tulsa. If you met Bob, you had to be prepared to see a batch of his latest photos on his phone.

He took photo safaris through the American West, capturing the beauty of New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. At home in Oklahoma, his days were spent visiting small towns and driving country roads looking for great photos of an old barn or a windmill. His photographs were featured in magazines, publications, calendars, and even recently a paperback book cover. Bob was always very proud of the recognition. He traveled to car shows, festivals, and events to take pictures. He had thousands of followers on his Flickr account – Kool Cats Photography:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/katsrcool/

He was an active member of the Oklahoma City Camera Club and recently was the guest seminar speaker for the International School of Photography in St. Louis.

After retiring from Tinker as a jet engine technician, Bob did web design and managed websites for many businesses and organizations. He delivered flowers for Tammy’s Flowers for several years; he loved to drive. When the pandemic shut him down from delivering flowers and meeting the public, he just put more effort into photographing Oklahoma.

Bob loved animals, especially cats. He loved feeding the neighborhoods stray cats, raccoons, and birds.

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make a donation in Bob’s name to Free to Live or the Regional Food Bank of Central Oklahoma.